A FAMILY connection dating back nearly 150 years at a law firm has come to an end.

Roderick Urquhart, who took over as East Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant last month, retired as senior partner at Urquharts at the end of March, with the Edinburgh business stressing there would be no dramatic changes.

Preparation for Mr Urquhart’s departure has been under way for 18 months, with a key move being the recruitment of another partner, Alison Grandison, last April.

Mr Urquhart, who joined the firm in 1982, was last month confirmed as East Lothian’s new Lord Lieutenant, following in the footsteps of Michael Williams.

The Samuelston resident said: “I’ve enjoyed my time with the firm and I’m incredibly proud of all that we achieved and of the quality of the team who will now take Urquharts forward.

“There may no longer be an Urquhart in the firm, but I’m delighted that the same values will continue to underpin everything that it does.”

His great-grandfather Andrew Urquhart established the firm after moving to Edinburgh from Aberdeen.

He chose to study law rather than follow his father, who captained tea clippers plying their trade from China to the north-east of Scotland.

In 1911, his son William joined the firm and oversaw its move to become property specialists and its relocation to Heriot Row.

In 1952, his son Ronald became the third generation of the family to join the firm – with Roderick then joining 30 years later.

Stephen Blane, who will take over as senior partner, wished his now former colleague well.

He said: “Roderick is the fourth generation of the Urquhart family to be senior partner here and we want to thank him for everything he has done over many years of service.

“His will be a very well-deserved retirement.

“For the past 145 years, there has been an Urquhart associated with the firm.

“A number of people have asked us if this is a chance for us to modernise and shake things up. There is absolutely no need for that.

“We are extremely well prepared for Roderick’s departure and the truth is there won’t be any radical changes.

“We will very much continue as we are.”